Robotic Pets Designed to Care for Older Adults

University of Cincinnati (UC) Professor Claudia Rebola is working with graduate students to revamp an existing line of robotic pets to better care for older adults, by expanding their realism and repertoire of tasks, reports News-Medical . The U.S. National Science Foundation has awarded the team a $1 million grant to overhaul the Joy For All Companion Pets brand acquired by Ageless Innovation. These robotic cats and dogs have simple, toylike designs, sounds, and movements to comfort seniors through companionship and fun. Rebola says the overhaul concentrates on human factors, like "understanding the user, their needs, and how to translate those needs into unique design opportunities for these pets," in collaboration with industrial design and engineering grad students. The team will hold pilot studies and focus groups with older adults and community caretakers. Cincinnati-area communities, including Scarlet Oaks Retirement Community and Episcopal Retirement Services, are involved in a longitudinal study of the robotic pets, with members from UC's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute adding feedback as well. In redesigning a robot dog, Rebola's team is focusing on adding caregiving applications that include detecting/preventing falls, connecting users to caregivers and loved ones, checking vital signs, and providing helpful reminders.